Should the Trump administration be able to ban certain words or phrases from official documents?

Reports surfaced recently that the Trump administration has banned certain words and phrases from official documents being prepared for the 2019 budget for the CDC. These words and phrases are: vulnerable, entitlement, diversity, transgender, fetus, evidence-based, and science based. This has raised the ire of many who feel the administration has repeatedly denied scientific findings. Most notable is their stance on man-made climate change. They are claiming, once again, that the administration is trying to hurt science and research. However, the administration feels that, once again, the media is mischaracterizing things.

HHS spokesman Matt Lloyd told The Hill on Saturday, “The assertion that HHS has ‘banned words’ is a complete mischaracterization of discussions regarding the budget formulation process.” The statement further said, “HHS will continue to use the best scientific evidence available to improve the health of all Americans. HHS also strongly encourages the use of outcome and evidence data in program evaluations and budget decisions.” The reports of the administration banning certain words and phrases raises a question. Should the Trump administration be able to ban certain words and phrases from use in official documents?

CNN discussing the Trump administration prohibiting the use of seven words and phrases in official CDC documents for next year’s budget:

The Issue

Should the Trump administration be able to ban certain words and phrases on official documents? Is the political left and the mainstream media using a double standard for the Trump administration? Or, is the Trump administration infringing on people’s first amendment rights?

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